On January 16th, 1983, Apple introduced the world to the Lisa: a revolutionary personal computer that would change the game for the industry. As part of the Apple Lisa series, this computer was designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple from 1983 to 1984.
Despite its high price tag of $9,995, the Lisa quickly caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. It boasted a 5 MHz Motorola 68000 processor, a 12-inch CRT display, and the ability to hold up to 2 MB of RAM. For those looking for even more storage, an optional external storage option called the Apple ProFile was available, offering 5 MB or 10 MB of hard drive space. Additionally, the Lisa was equipped with two 871 KB 5.25-inch floppy drivers.
However, Lisa’s reign was short-lived. On August 1st, 1984, Apple discontinued the computer. Today, the Apple Lisa is 41 years old and has become a piece of tech history. While it may not have had the longevity of other Apple products, it’s undeniable that the Lisa played a significant role in shaping the personal computer market as we know it today.
Apple Lisa Details
| Introduced | January 16, 1983 |
| Discontinued | August 1, 1984 |
| Original Price | $9,995 |
| Colors | Beige |
| Weight | 48 Ibs. 21.772 KG |
| Dimensions | 13.8” H x 18.7” W x 15.2” D 35.05 cm H x 47.49 cm W x 38.6 cm D |
Apple Lisa Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68000 |
| Processor Speed | 5 MHz |
| Architecture | 16-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 5 MHz |
Memory
| Storage | External 5 or 10 MB Apple ProFile hard disk drive |
| Built-in Memory | None |
| Maximum Memory | 2 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – Apple Lisa memory boards |
| ROM | 16 KB |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12” |
| Resolutions | 720 x 364 or 608 x 432 (with Screen Kit) at 60 Hz |
Connections
| Modem | None |
| Serial | 2 – RS-232C 1 – DE-9 |
| Audio Out | Continuously Variable Demodulators (CVSD) |
| Display | 1 – RCA composite video output |
| Expansion Slots | 3 – Apple Lisa expansion slots |
| Media | 2 – Built-in 871 KB Apple FileWare 5.25-inch floppy drivers |
Accessories
| Keyboard | 76-key Selectric-style, detached keyboard with 10-key pad |
Software
| Software | Lisa Office System 1.0 |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 270 W |
| Line Voltage | 115 or 230V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Lisa – Wikipedia
- The Lisa: Apple’s Most Influential Failure – CHM
- Revisiting Apple’s ill-fated Lisa computer, 40 years on – Ars Technica
- Tech History – Apple Lisa – Recycle Your Tec
- Apple Lisa – Mac History
- Documentary: Revealing the Truth Behind Apple’s Lisa Computer’s Demise
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: March 7, 2023
